1. Did Jim Tressel make the right decision of stepping down as head coach?

Today, Jim Tressel officially resigned as head coach with the Buckeye nation continuing to draw heat for players receiving improper benefits during his tenure. It was earlier this week when former Ohio State receiver Ray Small told the school newspaper that he (and many of his teammates) sold Big Ten Championship rings and other school memorabilia for cash. Many players also received “special” deals on cars. Jim Tressel knew about this but failed to neither act nor inform NCAA officials. He later lied to the NCAA about his knowledge regarding this matter and that has brought him all sorts of heat. Tressel received an email that disclosed information about his players selling items for cash, but he decided to turn his head.

I believe Tressel made the right decision. He had no choice but to step down. Lying to the NCAA is never excusable as a coach. We saw what happened to Bruce Pearl in Tennessee. I even think Tressel knew this was going on long before Pryor getting caught. Why would he lie to the NCAA if he wasn’t doing anything wrong? It’s good to see some setbacks in the Ohio State football program since Michigan sell off like no other. Perhaps Big Blue might win a game for a chance? As for Tressel, he has a very impressive football resume (106-22 in ten seasons at OSU) and should have no problems finding a job in the new future.

Who will become the new Buckeye head coach to open the 2011 season?

2. Should baseball do more to protect its catchers?

There have been talks and speculations that the MLB needs to think about protecting its catchers and base runners after witnessing Buster Posey’s season-ending injury. Posey ended up fracturing his tibia and tearing ligaments in his ankle in a collision at home plate with Florida’s Scott Cousins. Now the face of the Giants’ franchise is lost for the year.

Changing the rules to protect the catchers? Are you serious? I think this whole idea is a complete JOKE. This injury is nothing more than a freak accident, yet people are looking into more than it should be. The NFL is about to become a flag-football league, so let’s not mess up the MLB too. IMO, none of this talk would have even stirred if it were anyone else instead of Buster Posey. Collisions at the plate are part of the game and shouldn’t be tampered with. Right?

3. Would you consider him ballsy or just a retard?

Who am I talking about? The one and only; Jason Terry. Reports and images have surfaced of Terry’s newest tattoo that he had done back in Oct. Apparently, Terry guaranteed to win the NBA Finals before the season began and proceeded to even get a tattoo of the Larry O’Brien trophy on his right bicep. Don’t believe me? Check it out.

Personally, I think Jason Terry is an idiot. He is nothing more than a poster boy for the Dallas Mavericks, symbolizing their underachievement. I hate all of his little childish, stupid antics on the court. The fact that he got a tattoo of the championship trophy before the season began doesn’t surprise me one bit. I really hope Dwayne Wade makes you his poster-child Jason Terry.

Heat 4-2 Mavs

4. Is there a dynasty brewing in Barcelona?

Barcelona became the kings of Europe for the second time in three years as they outclassed Manchester United to a 3-1 win. With already classified as the champs of Spain and Europe, can we consider this Barcelona squad one of the best clubs of all-time?

After seeing Barca pick-apart my favorite team, I am convinced that Messi and Co. are one of the best starting XII’s to ever see the pitch. The fashion in which Barcelona plays is nearly impossible to beat. Barcelona’s midfield has been simply unstoppable for the past three seasons. Sir Alex Ferguson said it in the simplest of words, “In my time as a manager I would say yes, this is the best team I’ve faced.” This is coming from one of the bests, if not the best, soccer manager in the world.

5. Did Dan Wheldon win the Indy 500? Or did J.R. Hildebrand lose it?

J.R. Hildebrand had the win in his sights, but he crashed on the final turn, making way for Dan Wheldon to steal the victory.

I’ll admit I’m not a huge Indy/Nascar fan. Hell, I’m not a fan at all. But, with this being the 100th anniversary of the running of the first 500, all eyes were on Indianapolis Motor Speedway. With Hildebrand choking the race away, what do you think Wheldon’s response would be if one would ask if Hildebrand lost the race, instead of Wheldon winning it? I have a feeling this dude got lucky and he will never hear his name again.

This could be the biggest choke-job in Indy history. Remarkable finish regardless.

1. Did Jim Tressel make the right decision of stepping down as head coach?

Today, Jim Tressel officially resigned as head coach with the Buckeye nation continuing to draw heat for players receiving improper benefits during his tenure. It was earlier this week when former Ohio State receiver Ray Small told the school newspaper that he (and many of his teammates) sold Big Ten Championship rings and other school memorabilia for cash. Many players also received “special” deals on cars. Jim Tressel knew about this but failed to neither act nor inform NCAA officials. He later lied to the NCAA about his knowledge regarding this matter and that has brought him all sorts of heat. Tressel received an email that disclosed information about his players selling items for cash, but he decided to turn his head.

I believe Tressel made the right decision. He had no choice but to step down. Lying to the NCAA is never excusable as a coach. We saw what happened to Bruce Pearl in Tennessee. I even think Tressel knew this was going on long before Pryor getting caught. Why would he lie to the NCAA if he wasn’t doing anything wrong? It’s good to see some setbacks in the Ohio State football program since Michigan sell off like no other. Perhaps Big Blue might win a game for a chance? As for Tressel, he has a very impressive football resume (106-22 in ten seasons at OSU) and should have no problems finding a job in the new future.

Who will become the new Buckeye head coach to open the 2011 season?

2. Should baseball do more to protect its catchers?

There have been talks and speculations that the MLB needs to think about protecting its catchers and base runners after witnessing Buster Posey’s season-ending injury. Posey ended up fracturing his tibia and tearing ligaments in his ankle in a collision at home plate with Florida’s Scott Cousins. Now the face of the Giants’ franchise is lost for the year.

Changing the rules to protect the catchers? Are you serious? I think this whole idea is a complete JOKE. This injury is nothing more than a freak accident, yet people are looking into more than it should be. The NFL is about to become a flag-football league, so let’s not mess up the MLB too. IMO, none of this talk would have even stirred if it were anyone else instead of Buster Posey. Collisions at the plate are part of the game and shouldn’t be tampered with. Right?

3. Would you consider him ballsy or just a retard?

Who am I talking about? The one and only; Jason Terry. Reports and images have surfaced of Terry’s newest tattoo that he had done back in Oct. Apparently, Terry guaranteed to win the NBA Finals before the season began and proceeded to even get a tattoo of the Larry O’Brien trophy on his right bicep. Don’t believe me? Check it out.

Personally, I think Jason Terry is an idiot. He is nothing more than a poster boy for the Dallas Mavericks, symbolizing their underachievement. I hate all of his little childish, stupid antics on the court. The fact that he got a tattoo of the championship trophy before the season began doesn’t surprise me one bit. I really hope Dwayne Wade makes you his poster-child Jason Terry.

Heat 4-2 Mavs

4. Is there a dynasty brewing in Barcelona?

Barcelona became the kings of Europe for the second time in three years as they outclassed Manchester United to a 3-1 win. With already classified as the champs of Spain and Europe, can we consider this Barcelona squad one of the best clubs of all-time?

After seeing Barca pick-apart my favorite team, I am convinced that Messi and Co. are one of the best starting XII’s to ever see the pitch. The fashion in which Barcelona plays is nearly impossible to beat. Barcelona’s midfield has been simply unstoppable for the past three seasons. Sir Alex Ferguson said it in the simplest of words, “In my time as a manager I would say yes, this is the best team I’ve faced.” This is coming from one of the bests, if not the best, soccer manager in the world.

5. Did Dan Wheldon win the Indy 500? Or did J.R. Hildebrand lose it?

J.R. Hildebrand had the win in his sights, but he crashed on the final turn, making way for Dan Wheldon to steal the victory.

I’ll admit I’m not a huge Indy/Nascar fan. Hell, I’m not a fan at all. But, with this being the 100th anniversary of the running of the first 500, all eyes were on Indianapolis Motor Speedway. With Hildebrand choking the race away, what do you think Wheldon’s response would be if one would ask if Hildebrand lost the race, instead of Wheldon winning it? I have a feeling this dude got lucky and he will never hear his name again.

This could be the biggest choke-job in Indy history. Remarkable finish regardless.

Manchester United and Barcelona are set to clash at Wembley with the biggest prize in club football on the line, making it a rematch of the 09’ Champions League Final. Barcelona ended up running away with a 2-0 victory in 09’, but United are looking to return the favor.

Believe all the hype as this Champions League Final will be showcasing, arguably, the two best clubs in the world. Both clubs have respectably won their domestic leagues in fashion and will field some of the world’s top players. Although, Barcelona are the favorites, I wouldn’t bet against Manchester United.

Manchester United

United comes into the final as a more complete team compared to their 2009 squad. Since Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure, many criticized Manchester’s lack of “flair and flash”, but that has only made them better. The team possesses the ball much better and attacks as a unit; not individually. With other players having to step-up, it has made the Red Devils unpredictable.

Upending Barcelona will be no easy task, but Manchester has a very capable squad. Barcelona loves putting heavy offensive pressure on their opponents, so United’s best defense will be to attack right back. In my opinion, Manchester played too defensive minded in 09’. They are led by their superstar, Wayne Rooney, who has been on a Champions League tear. His pairing with Hernandez has created a dynamic goal-scoring duo. These two strikers must finish their opportunities. They cannot leave goals off the board.

The biggest challenge for United will be the midfield. Barcelona’s midfield loves to pass teams to death; therefore United’s need to contain their opposition. Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes must be able to control the middle and hold possession. Also, Nani must make his presence on the wing. He has the capability of taking you off the dribble and putting pressure on your defense. These three players can stretch your midfield vastly. The midfield will be critical as it will dictate the shape of either team.

Tactically, I would like to see United play more offensive minded and put the pressure on Barca early. Manchester usually plays defensive minded in Champions League competition, but in my opinion they are going to need to switch it up here. If United let’s Barca settle into their half, they will eventually give up goal. The best defense for an attacking team is to attack right back. Put the pressure on their defense instead of yours. Barcelona’s defense is nothing special, the problem is, they never get tested. Let’s see how they respond with the pressure on them for a change.

Barcelona

Barcelona has been the best team in the world over the past two years and with this Champions League victory, they could very well be a dynasty. Their relentless attack has absolutely destroyed teams (just ask Real Madrid). The Spanish side may very well be the best passing team any club as ever seen.

Even though the Catalans are the favorites, they mustn’t take United lightly. United defense enters the final as the best defense in the tournament. They have yet to give up an away goal and with the game being in Wembley, it is basically a home game for Manchester. Barcelona will need to dictate the midfield if they want to breakdown this defense. Players like Rio Ferdinad and Emanja Vidic will make life frustrating for strikers. Xavi and Iniesta will need to switch the ball from side to side to open up some space in between United’s defense.

Defensively, Barcelona will need to be physical with Rooney and Hernandez. Rooney is no slouch and given the opportunity, he will knock you around. Barca will need to put a body on him at all times, and not let him get into open space. His versatility as a goal-scorer and assist-man will come alive if given time on the ball. Not only do you have to look out for Wayne, but you must contain Giggs and Scholes. Those savvy vets have all the tricks in the book and can still burn you despite their age. Giggs has had a say in majority of United’s goals in this competition. He is one guy you don’t want with the ball in space because he will not miss a teammate in scoring position.

Tactically, I would expect Barcelona to play as they always do; possession. They are going to pass you to death until you make a critical mistake. With all eyes on Messi, look for other players to make runs off of him into open space. He might be more of a decoy in this one.

Couple days ago, co-writer Lork referred to Schalke as “slackers” for an attempted joke, but after watching Manchester United absolutely destroy the German side, his description was right on the money. It was a cruise for United as they dominated every statistic you can imagine. The first-half was virtually Manchester United vs. Schalke goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. United was able to move the ball and attack at will. They had numerous shots, but it was Neuer who kept Schalke’s slim European hopes alive. He made world class saves, denying the Red Devils’ attack. It could have easily been three or four nil at the half. Schalke’s midfielders were nonexistent as they gave United’s midfielders way to much space to work with. This continued into second-half as well. It was only a matter of time until Manchester found the break through. United finally turned the tables in the 67th min. when Wayne Rooney feinted a shot to create space in between the center backs as he slipped a clever through-pass to Ryan Giggs. Giggs then easily slid the ball past the dominant Neuer for the opener. A mere two minutes later, with Schalke’s backline still in disarray, Javier Hernandez was able to pick out an unmarked Rooney for an amazing finish. This left keeper Neuer screaming at his defense. It was a heartbreaker for Schalke fans as United stole two precious away goals in a span of two minutes. Schalke came nowhere near threatening their opposition’s goal for the rest of the match, eventually falling to the final whistle.

I honestly have no idea what the hell Schalke was doing. Their tactics were absolutely dreadful, as am I dumbfounded to how they previously beat Inter Milan. The German side’s midfield was total trash. They gave Michael Carrick and Ryan Giggs pastures of grass to work with. You cannot give players of such class enough time to get their heads up and survey the field, especially Ryan Giggs. Giggs has had a touch in nearly every United goal in Champions League play and can arguably be their player of the season. Why in the hell is he wide open? I just do not understand their mentality. When you are at home, you need to be the aggressors. Instead, they let United dictate the game from start to finish. Schalke was just as poor on offense as they were on defense. Since United was attacking like crazy, they had to live off of the counter-attack. The problem? Schalke was no speed at all! How are you supposed to execute a counter when you have players like Rio Ferdinad and Nemanja Vidic outrunning your strikers? After watching the first leg, I give Schalke no chance to pull off a miracle at Old Trafford. At times it looked as if Schalke didn’t even belong on the same pitch as the Red Devils. It was a clear one-sided affair in the first-leg. These two will lock-up again in eight days, barring a United meltdown, the Reds should make the Champions League finals once again.

Final:

Schalke 0-2 Manchester United

Player of the Match:

Manuel Neuer– Regardless of United’s onslaught of attacks, he showed us why he is one of the top pursued goalkeepers in the world. Manchester only had 19 total shots (10 on target). Only allowing two in such a one-sided affair is pretty remarkable, especially when you aren’t getting any support from your defense and midfield.

Goals from Javier Hernandez and Ji-Sung Park put an end to Chelsea’s Champions League hopes as Manchester United kept their treble hopes alive. Blues’ manager, Carlo Ancelotti’s future with the club looks to be in serious jeopardy since Chelsea will more than likely be trophy-less this season. Once again it was European failure for Roman Abramovich’s club. Chelsea controlled the game for the first thirty minutes, but was unable to score. Anelka shaved the woodwork with a volley, which was set up by Torres. Then later, Lampard was unable to convert on an open shot, right in the penalty box. The United defense was a busy workhorse in the first-half. Chelsea, like the first leg, couldn’t capitalize on their opportunities. And again, United showed Chelsea how to get the job done, as the Red Devils snuck in a goal right before the half. Beautiful combination play from John O’shea and Ryan Giggs caught Anelka sleeping down the left sideline, as Giggs snuck right behind the Frenchman. Giggs then delivered an easy finish to Hernandez back-post. It was a huge blow for the Blues. The second half was the same story for Chelsea. They continued to get frustrated by the United defense, eventually losing their cool. Ramires made an unnecessary challenge resulting in his second yellow, making it even harder for the Blues to produce a comeback. Chelsea did show a glimpse of hope as they were able to equalize in the 70th min. Drogba was able to sneak in behind the United backline and calmly tucked the ball into the net. Unfortunately for Chelsea, their chances of a comeback were thrashed thirty seconds later as the Blues were caught sleeping at the kickoff. Off the quick-attack, Giggs found Park chilling in the penalty-box, and the Korean put the dagger into Chelsea. After Park’s goal, Chelsea pretty much admitted defeat as they were unable to maneuver a comeback.

United was clearly the better side. The Red Devils showed excellent poise and mental toughness throughout both legs. Ryan Giggs is clearly my man of the match as the 37-year old Welshman had a part in every United goal. Giggs delivered the vital pass on all goals against Chelsea. He has been playing world class football all season long and continues to be a difference maker. As for Chelsea, the entire squad looked in disarray. The formation change since the arrival of Torres has really caused this team the struggle. They did not look comfortable in their offensive sets. I really question Ancelotti’s decision of starting Torres in such an important match. Torres is yet to secure his first goal as a Blue and he has already played 11 matches! I almost feel sorry for the dude. Torres was replaced by Drogba at half, and what do you know, Drobga scored a goal. Ancelotti needs to find an identity for his squad asap, or he will soon be out of a job. In my opinion, he has already left the club. There have been rumors of him going back home to Roma next season, and I somewhat believe it. As for United, they have hit their stride as they cruise into the semis.

Real Madrid stole the show as they dominated Tottenham from start to finish, most likely ending the Hotspurs’ European journey. “One-sided” easily sums up this match, as the Los Blancos got off to a quick start by nabbing an early goal in the opening five minutes. The Spurs left Adebayor unmarked which allowed him to head home the opener. It was really poor defending, especially from a squad which didn’t allow a goal during the round of 16. Things got even worse in the 15th min. when Peter Crouch was sent off after two careless challenges. It turned to be the defining moment as the Spurs were unable to overcome the extra-man advantage Real Madrid possessed. Madrid easily took control of the game, stringing up numerous passes. They played the in-and-out game and switch the ball every well. Madrid eventually unpacked and made camp in Tottenham’s half. It was only a matter of time until the goals started pouring in.

The second-half was the same story, except Real was finally able to takedown the force field in front of goal. Tottenham was unable to withstand the constant attacks as Madrid netted three second-half goals. I understand that the Spurs are lacking a man, but some of the goals were definitely preventable. The only “real goal” was Di Maria’s scorcher. Adebayor was left unmarked on both of his goals. Both of his goals were headers. Are you serious? Two unmarked headers are unacceptable at any level of soccer, especially someone of his caliber. Gomes was also beaten near-post by Cristiano. Defensively, it was a very disappointing performance for the Spurs. If they could have held Madrid to two goals, then they still might actually have a chance. It’s safe to say Real Madrid will make the semis, pending some sort of miracle. You know your team is sick when your subs are Kaka and Higuain.

Final:

Real Madrid 4:0 Tottenham

Key Stats

Shots (on goal):

Real Madrid 36 (10), Tottenham 4 (1)

Possession:

Real Madrid 72%, Tottenham 28%

Side note: Schalke is only a whisker away from advancing to the semis, as they came out of Milan with a huge 5-3 victory over Inter. Hopefully the Manchester United v. Chelsea game is better.

Barcelona sent Arsenal crashing out of the Champions League for the second straight year as a 3-1 win in the second leg gave the aggregate victory to the Blaugrana 4-3. Arsenal came into the Nou Camp with a 2-1 aggregate lead, but was once again denied by Barcelona. The game was just as one-sided as the statistics displayed, as Arsenal showed no life what-so-ever. The Gunners couldn’t create any kind of build-up to their attack. They could barely string up three consecutive passes. The Arsenal attack was completely out sync. Barcelona did a great job of pressuring their opposition, forcing a lot of errors. Offensively, Barcelona was brilliant. They bullied Arsenal around from start to finish. The Blaugrana moved the ball at will against the Gunners, dominating possession 76%-24%. It was equivalent to watching the varsity team beat up on the junior varsity. What’s even worse? Arsenal had zero shots on goal. Yes. Zero! Guess how many shots Barca had? Only 20 with 12 on target. It was as if they were having shooting practice. The only goal Arsenal was able to salvage was an own-goal from Busquets. Barcelona basically scored every goal of the night. They sent waves and waves of attacks until Arsenal finally broke down.

A questionable send-off.

In stoppage time of the first-half, captain Cesc Fabregas made an uncharacteristic error by giving the ball away right outside his penalty-box with an unecessary back-heel. It was picked-off by Iniesta as he weaved his way through three Arsenal defenders. He then delivered a beautiful chip to Messi, who finished it with brilliance. One simple mistake and it was one-nil. To see a mistake like that from a top-class midfielder like Fab was very surprising. Arsenal was able to get one back in the second-half from an own-goal from Busquets off a corner, but it was still all Barcelona. Things got even worse in the 56th min. as Van Persie, having been booked in the first-half, received his second yellow for a shot on goal after the referee blown the whistle for offside. Van Persie claimed he couldn’t hear the whistle; and he does have a case with the Nou Camp hosting 95,000 screaming fans. This was an awful call by the referee as it changed the whole dynamic of the game. With Van Persie being sent off, it got even tougher for the Gunners. Barcelona passed their way through the Arsenal midfield with ease, eventually getting more goals from Messi and Xavi.

It was a very disappointing showing from Arsenal as I was expecting much more from this team. They were out-classed in every aspect of the game. The discrepancy of talent was easily visible. Barcelona was definably the better side. I just hate that fact that the Gunners weren’t able to play up to their potential because I believe they are much better than what the statistics depicted. Arsenal has been trophy-less since 2005, and the drought could be extending unless they make something happen in the FA Cup or EPL race.